BREAKDOWNS
As we make our journey through life we notice that things do not always go according to plan. The universe does not cooperate in giving us what we want. As the old bumper sticker so aptly reminds us; “S___ Happens”!
Since there are always things happening to us and around us, perhaps those breakdowns or as they are more popularly known, problems serve a purpose. Perhaps how we take them on has everything to say about our growth and development.
Perhaps, without the challenge of our problems we would still be relating to life like children. There is risk in taking on the next issue. What if we can’t figure out what to do? What if what we decide to do fails?
Our greatest growth comes from the willingness to take a risk. Doing what we always do even when it provides a result will eventually suck the life out of us.
The words “breakdown” and “problem” are often used interchangeably. They are not or do not have to be. Separated or distinguished will give you a powerful awareness with which to face your next challenge. It is right around the corner.
The word problem is psychological in nature. It lives in a ‘something’s wrong” world. I don’t think most people are excited about facing “what’s wrong”. We tend to want to avoid it, hoping someone else will fix it or that it will just go away. How is that working for you?
There are only three places you can go in the “something’s wrong” world. What’s wrong with
ME–WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?
THEM—WHOEVER I CAN FIND TO POINT A FINGER AT?
IT—THE PROJECT OR ACTIVITY THAT IS NOW UP FOR GRABS
When there is “something wrong” it is a lot like kryptonite; no one wants to touch it.
So, what has a breakdown be any different? Breakdown as a distinction is an interruption in commitment.. It is a timeout to assess our commitment and to determine if we are still committed. If we are, we then ask the question “what is missing”? What is wrong sounds like we might need surgery. What is missing is to determine what we can add to the mix that will get us back on track.
Here is a quick story to illustrate. My first team at Santa Ana College was one of my best However, entering our league season, we weren’t quite in synch. We won our first league game but struggled against a team rated below us in the league. I declared a breakdown.
We had made various commitments at the beginning of the season so there was no question there. I asked them “what’s missing?” One players hand shot up. Rebounding was the response. Everyone was nodding their heads. What position do you suppose this player played? Point guard, of course. A little finger pointing?
Next question. How many rebounds per game are you averaging? Point guard says, 1.3 after a little pause. “That’s 1.3 more than a dead man”, I snorted. “ How many rebounds are you going to get Saturday night? “ After a long pause—four. Other squad members followed suit by topping their averages.
So, what happened on Saturday? We won but more importantly we set a school record for rebounds at 62. My point guard? A big 8. We were focused and engaged.
Do not wait for the breakdown. Declare it if you even suspect that you are off track. For the basketball people reading this, pick up my new book “the Ultimate Fast Break” online at lulu.com I think you will get value even if you don’t fast break.